Rocky Mountain Gamer: 'Halo 4' continues story with flair

New studio has done an admirable job taking over the "Halo" series. (Courtesy photo)

"Halo 4"

From: Microsoft

Rated: M

Who's it for: Halo and sci-fi shooter fans

Console: Xbox 360

Grade: A

Since developer Bungie launched the "Halo" franchise in 2001, the company has been synonymous with Microsoft's premier shooter and mascot, Master Chief.

So when Bungie announced it was leaving "Halo" behind to pursue other games for multiple platforms, fans became nervous. Could newly formed 343 Studios, now in charge of all things "Halo," do the legacy justice?

After much speculation, "Halo 4" has finally arrived, and I'm happy to say few "Halo" fans will be disappointed. 343 Studios stuffed the game with brilliant action and continued Master Chief's story with flair.

Like an insidious device left behind by the Forerunners, "Halo 4" contains multiple layers, each filled with a purpose.

The game's campaign picks up after "Halo 3," with the war against the Covenant now over and Chief back in hibernation in the wreckage of the frigate Forward Unto Dawn.

He awakens to find his AI companion, Cortana, in distress, her system integrity fading. Chief must find a way to get back to Earth to save her.

This quest takes Chief to a Forerunner world where he battles Covenant troops who don't know or care the war with the humans has ended.

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The world provides massive, sprawling landscapes overrunning with action. To squeeze the most out of the story, players will have to explore its nooks and crannies, hunting down hidden terminals that contain much of the story's background.

Some might not see the need to seek out the story, but for those of us who love to explore, it's the perfect excuse.

Of course, the campaign is only part of the game. "Halo 4" features the series' most robust multiplayer yet.

Surprisingly, multiplayer now has a back story. That's right: The red Spartans and blue Spartans now have reason to shoot each other. It turns out these skirmishes are actually war games, training aboard the UNSC Infinity. Think of a ship with a "Star Trek"-like holodeck.

The included maps are all solid, providing plenty of variety regardless of which environment you prefer. They are balanced well and should keep fans busy until additional downloadable maps begin to appear.

Those looking for something new should try Spartan Ops, a series of downloadable co-op missions released weekly, taking the place of Firefight mode from the past couple of "Halo" installments.

"Spartan Ops: Season One" is free, with missions available for 10 weeks. Supporting up to four players, Spartan Ops expands the story and provides more substance than most co-op add-ons. It's a fantastic step forward.

Character models, environments and animations shine. A common problem with shooters is the loss of detail in darker areas, but the balance of lighting and shadow here is sublime.

Both the score and voice work are likewise top-notch, particularly the acting from Jen Taylor as the ailing Cortana.

The game's only stumble is the repetition of mission objectives. You'll press a lot of buttons and throw a lot of switches before you're done.

This matters little, though, when your primary concern is saving Cortana and getting her home. The urgency you feel is real, as is the enjoyment when you accomplish your goal.

While this certainly isn't the end of "Halo" or Master Chief (this game has been dubbed the beginning of the "Reclaimer Trilogy" ), it might be the last one on the Xbox 360. Microsoft is poised to release a new system for the holiday 2013 season, and it's likely future "Halo" games will appear there.

If this is the last "Halo" game to appear on the 360, the game has done the system -- and the series -- justice.

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